DP Advises Nkurunziza Against 3rd Term Bid

The Democratic Party has advised Burundi’s President Pierre Nkurunziza to reconsider his 3^rd term bid.

This comes after he returned to the country following a failed coup attempt by Gen Godefroid Niyombareh.

DP’s Secretary General Mathius Nsubuga says although Nkurunziza has returned, opposition against his move seeking reelection still stands.

He warns that unless this is addressed, the country could easily slide back into turmoil.

Addressing Burundians in the Capital Bujumbura on his return on Friday, Nkurunziza urged his people to turn out “in tranquility” for elections expected in June.

Regional leaders are however calling for postponement of the election atleast until July to allow calm to return to the country.

Meanwhile the Senior Presidential advisor on political affairs Moses Byaruhanga has downplayed fears of a Burundi like situation cropping up in Uganda.

Byaruhanga tells KFM that government has put in place democratic processes of people assuming leadership to avoid such ugly situations.

Sections of the opposition have however insisted that unless the constitution is respected, a similar situation could easily arise in Uganda.

Violent protests broke out last month in Burundi’s capital Bujumbura after the president declared his intention to seek a third term, which critics say is against the constitution.

According to the Red Cross more than 20 people have died in the protests while thousands have been displaced.

There have since been retaliatory attacks in Burundi, aimed at those accused of being behind last week’s failed coup attempt.

It is alleged that three wounded soldiers were dragged from a hospital during police raid.

Written by Reporter